Letter to the editor: Hospital war has repercussions for patients

The war between Allegheny Health Network and UPMC was unfortunate, but it now seems that some of the smaller area hospitals are having a fight of their own. My doctor works for Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. ACMH’s medical director sent me a letter telling me that, as of mid-April, my doctor would no longer be associated with ACMH. After mid-April, I would be referred to another doctor at the same medical practice in downtown Kittanning.

I’m sorry, but I did not become a patient of a medical practice. I am a patient of my doctor. I chose him after some extensive research and referrals from friends who were also patients of his. The hospital did not state where my doctor was moving, as they probably don’t want to lose his 300 to 500 patients who more than likely would transfer with him. But now it seems ACMH won’t allow my doctor to tell his patients where he’s moving. This is ridiculous.

Some patients may choose to stay with the medical practice and transfer before the mid-April deadline. Others, like me, would like to stick with my doctor. I’ve been told that my doctor’s family members are not allowed to state where he’s going in mid-April. I can’t understand a non-disclosure agreement between the doctor and the hospital, but to ban family members from stating where a doctor is going is inane.

I thought the thought police were fiction created by George Orwell, but they seem to be alive and well at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.

Sam Huey

Harrison